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Fighting a former UFC champion on just days' notice might not seem appealing to some, but for Bogdan Guskov, it was a no-brainer.
Last week, the UFC announced that Guskov (18-3-1 MMA, 4-1-1 UFC), a rising UFC title contender, stepped in on short notice to fight ex-UFC light heavyweight champ Magomed Ankalaev (21-2-1 MMA, 12-2-1 UFC) in the main event of Saturday's UFC Fight Night 282 (Paramount+), which takes place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Guskov replaced an injured Khalil Rountree Jr., thus pulling out from his then-scheduled rematch with Jan Blachowicz in August.
The bout against Ankalaev is a tougher fight on paper, and one he'll have even less time to prepare for. Yet, it made all the sense in the world for Guskov.
"For me, there was no need for time to think of good news," Guskov told MMA Junkie. "When management said for me that I have a chance for fight with Magomed, I said, 'Maybe we change my life and career. It's good.'"
Guskov is unbeaten since losing his UFC debut in 2023. He's racked up four stoppage wins, and most recently fought to a draw with Blachowicz. The Uzbekistan fighter feels he's in no position to pass up opportunities, as he's in his career prime.
"No, Magomed is in the first position. For me, it is more interesting," Guskov said regarding the opportunity. "I need to test me, and test who I am. I am 33; I don't need the wait. Who, how, when? For me, I just need location and name. Let's go."
Many consider Magomed the best fighter at 205 pounds. He lost his UFC title in October in a rematch with Alex Pereira, whom he had previously beaten, but before that he was on an impressive 14-fight unbeaten streak. Guskov has high respect for Ankalaev and sees him as dangerous as ever.
"For me, Magomed is the strongest guy in our division," Guskov said. "The second fight with Pereira is just one fight. I don't think about this, it's just fight, nothing. A bad day in the office. Magomed stayed dangerous and stronger in our division. It's true. Everybody knows this."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Abu Dhabi: Why Bogdan Guskov didn't hesitate to take Magomed Ankalaev bout
